Dads share feelings as Father's Day approaches

-Time with their children is important, both say.

-Time with their children is important, both say.

June 14, 2007

"I'm going to get my father something for Father's Day," said ReShana Williams, of South Bend. "But right now, I haven't decided what to get him yet." ReShana and her brother, Shane Jr., are looking forward to Sunday. The Williams children think their dad, Shane Williams Sr., is a great father and plan to shower him with love and presents on Sunday. "My dad spoils me," said Shane Jr. "He takes me to my basketball games and buys me nice things. I think he's the best dad ever." Shane Sr. is a single father. He has raised his 8-year-old son since he was 8 months old and has a positive relationship with his 13-year-old daughter. He says time is most important. "My father taught me how to be a man, so I in turn was able to be a man and raise my son," Shane Sr. said. "At first, it was hard because I had to learn how to feed him, listen to his cries and do everything for him. But over time, I was able to master it, and we have been together ever since. "I try to spend quality time with both my children and, although I buy them things, I'm not buying their love because I show love every day. "We go places together and I'm there whenever they need me. Love is spelled t-i-m-e." According to ReShana, her dad is someone she can count on. "My dad is someone I can tell anything, and he's not lazy," she said. "He's my whole world, and I want him to know he's the best father a girl could have and I love him." As for a gift, Shane Sr. said it won't matter. He realizes the kids will come to him for the money for whatever they buy. "Sometimes when they come to me for money, I say to them, 'Ya'll going to miss me when I'm gone,'" he said, laughing. "But to be honest, the rewards of being a parent are worth it, despite the cost and the work it takes." *** "I don't care if I get anything for Father's Day or not," said Tonja Wingo Sr., 40, of South Bend. "Just spending time with my two kids will be gift enough for me." He knows Sunday is Father's Day. It is a time to celebrate fatherhood and to show appreciation to fathers and grandfathers. But not all fathers feel appreciated. Wingo is going though a divorce. "I just want to continue to be a part of my children's lives," Wingo said. "I love spending time with them, playing games with them, because that's what fathers do." During these rough times, Wingo has not been able to spend the kind of time he'd like with his son, Tonja Jr., 3, and his daughter, Angelina. "But I know I love my children, and I'm sure there are other men out there who feel the same way." He has a piece of paper he carries in his wallet to lighten the mood. It says: "A father carries pictures where his money used to be." -- Author Unknown Happy Father's Day to all the fathers. May Lee Johnson Tales from the West Side May Lee Johnson is a Tribune staff writer.